Evangelical Announces Major Addition for Enhanced Patient Care

March 27, 2018

On Tuesday, March 27, 2018, Evangelical Community Hospital announced its intention to take on a $72 million construction project, the largest in the history of the Hospital.

The PRIME (Patient Room Improvement, Modernization, and Enhancement) building project includes an 112,000-square-foot, 4-story new addition and includes the renovation of 20,000 square feet of existing space.

The result will be single patient rooms, each with their own private bath, as well as expanded space for outpatient services. The expansion will not change the number of beds available, but it will greatly impact the way care is delivered.

Approved unanimously by the Hospital’s Board of Directors, the project will dramatically change the way the exterior of the Hospital appears. It has been in the design phase since late 2017, is scheduled for groundbreaking in the summer of 2018, and is anticipated to take nearly three years to complete.

“While the healthcare landscape is in a constant state of change, what remains at the center of Evangelical’s focus is the ability to provide high quality care to those who have entrusted us with their health,” said Kendra Aucker, President and CEO. “PRIME will help us do that in a physical environment that facilitates and encourages healing and matches the compassion and quality care the community has come to expect from us.”

Private rooms bring the benefit of better infection control for patients, afford patients a better opportunity to rest and recover, and allow for more private communication between the provider, patient, and their family members.

Beyond aesthetics, the rooms have been designed to give physicians, nurses, technicians, and other team members the space they need to provide efficient care in an appropriate setting.

John Meckley, Chair of the Board of Directors said, “While the projected cost of the PRIME project is a large financial commitment, the Hospital is in a strong position and well prepared to make this important investment.”

Meckley continued, “The Board is confident the PRIME project will position the Hospital for a future of doing what is in the best interest of those who depend on us for access to modern healthcare and we thank our generous community for its continued support.”

During the construction of PRIME, all services will remain open. The Hospital will regularly communicate to patients and the public any change that impacts navigation on campus or in the facility.

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John Devine, DO, FACP, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Evangelical Community Hospital, recently earned the Certified Physician Executive (CPE) designation from the American Association for Physician Leadership®.